Several years ago I challenged myself to post daily during the month of February something positive about my day. I know this is a common November practice, but really, November isn't a rough month for me. I love the anticipation of the holiday season, Thanksgiving break is always a just in time chance to relax and spend time with the family, and the month always goes by fast. February on the other hand. . . let's just say it can be very long for me.
This February 1st I stood in a very long line for the visitation service of an amazing educator. He is the second outstanding educator I have known that has died in the last few weeks. While this is far from great news, the positive I am pulling from this is to let their lives inspire me. When the going gets rough, I need to remind myself of how these two educators never let up. They worked tirelessly for their students and did not accept anything less than the best from those they taught. They inspired countless students, as the long line last night once again showed. I am grateful that I got to know these two and in their honor I will work to inspire the students in my life.
Feb. 2 - Quiet Days
ReplyDeleteToday and tomorrow are quiz bowl competitions. Both days several students are attending, and many of my classes have shrunk. These days work very well for catching students up and getting quite a bit accomplished - which right now really needs to happen. Another benefit of working in a small school.
Feb. 3 - Sunshine
ReplyDeleteIt has been quite a while since we haven't had a snow day in early February. While it has been very cold, this afternoon the sun is shining bright. Even on a cold day, the warmth of some bright sunshine will always lift my spirits. Yes, I would love a snow day, but if it isn't snowing we might as well enjoy some nice bright sunshine.
Feb. 4 - Practice
ReplyDeleteToday my daughter had her audition for the UNL school of music. She has been working hard on this for the past few months, but really she has been practicing for this day since her first piano lesson she took when she was in kindergarten. While I am a bit biased, I have to say that I know few kids who work harder than her. I am so proud of what she has accomplished through her hard work and she has inspired me to keep practicing as well. I share this not only as a proud father, but also as an educator who is constantly asking kids to practice. Whether that is practice a math concept in math class, practice typing in computers, practice a speech for our upcoming competition, I am always encouraging my students to keep practicing. I am grateful for the times we have to celebrate the fruits of that practice, even if it is a small victory like doing just a bit better on an assignment or test, or perhaps a big victory like a first place finish at a competition.
So to all who read this, keep practicing.
Feb. 5 - Aurora Speech Meet
ReplyDeleteI have always loved the Aurora Speech meet. Partly because it is so close and it was easy for me to go and watch. But also, it has always been a really positive experience. Yes there have been so big disappointments, but even with those it is hard to say that the day isn't a success. This year was no different. The Hampton kids competed well, represented well, and I am so glad we had such a good day.
Feb. 6 - UNL Winter Winds
ReplyDeleteToday was the final concert for the UNL Winter Winds Festival. All I can say is wow! Such an amazing concert performed by a very dedicated group of musicians. The repertoire was challenging but so beautiful. For one piece, the director just stood back and said to the band, "Whenever you're ready" and they all took a breath and started playing together. It was really a sight to see. The band was truly acting as one and I could not have been more impressed.
Feb 7 - Grilling!
ReplyDeleteHere it is Feb. 7 and I am grilling for supper! I know there are plenty of cold days ahead, but I am so grateful for each day that isn't. Each day we have that is warm means that we have one less day of cold this winter, and few things make me happier than warm weather.
Feb. 8 - Good email
ReplyDeleteThis morning in my inbox was an encouraging email. Few things mean more to a teacher than when a student takes a minute to send their teacher a good email. I don't want to divulge any information, but suffice it to say that it totally made my day. Thanks to all the students who have taken time to send their teacher a positive email. It really does make a difference.
Feb 9 and 10 - Community
ReplyDeleteWords cannot describe how difficult these past 2 days have been, and I have known Kyle for a relatively short time compared to so many at Hampton. And although there have been many tears, the thing that keeps me going is the strength of this school community. I am so thankful for all the support that has been shown to our little school. It isn’t easy, and won’t be quick, but we will survive. We are all better for having had Kyle in our life.
Feb. 11 - Speech
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing day we had at GICC! I am so proud of the Hampton speech team. These kids took the trials of this week and channeled them into outstanding performances. Our goal was to simply get through the day, and yet we walked away with several medals. Not only did they show off their strength and determination, they did it with style and class.
Feb 12 - Community- part 2
ReplyDeleteI know I already used this, but really today was unlike anything I have seen. The incredible number of people at Mr. Ediger’s funeral today was awe inspiring. Truly, the number of people he had positively impacted is impossible to count. My wife and I sat in the 2nd overflow area and it was full. I know the Ediger family felt the love and support of so many today, and that sort of community does not happen by accident. Thanks for all you have done for us Mr. Ediger. We will always remember the impact you had on our community.
Feb. 13 - Family
ReplyDeleteWe finally had a day at home with all of us here! It feels like it has been a month since we had that. With Willa graduating this May, we treasure these days all the more.
Feb. 14 - Valentine's Day
ReplyDeleteYes it is true that this is far from my favorite holiday, but today was really pretty good. I got to make a delicious dinner for my family (broccoli beef stir fry) and then spend some time with them afterwards watching the olympics. Sometimes the stress of knowing that these times are limited can make me anxious, last night I was able to just relax and enjoy the moment. For that, I am so grateful.
Feb. 15 - Wordle
ReplyDeleteYes, I have succumbed to the latest fad. But wow, it is everything I love. A quick game with words that I can play just once a day. Thanks Mr. Klute for introducing it to me, yes I had seen all the posts on social media, but it wasn’t until he talked about it that I actually tried it. I highly recommend this to all my word nerd friends.
Feb. 16 - Midwestern Support
ReplyDeleteThe teacher's lounge has been stuffed to the gills with food this week. It is such a midwestern tradition to provide food for people who are hurting. We really do show our love with cookies, muffins, and ham. I am so grateful to all who have brought us something to eat. It may seem like a small gesture to drop off a dozen cookies, but it really does mean the world to us.
Feb. 17 - Babies!
ReplyDeleteEven though she was born on the 16th, I didn't find out about her until today. Congratulations to the Goertzen's on the arrival of Aubrey. A brand new baby will always lift the spirits, and we really needed that. I will miss having a partner this weekend at the speech meet, but I know that we are in good shape and ready to go!
Feb. 18 - Friday
ReplyDeleteThis week has been a month long. As such, it is so good to have it be Friday. Even though I have a busy weekend ahead, I am looking forward to some time away from the school building.
Feb. 28 - So many things. . . .
ReplyDeleteSo I failed my challenge. The last 10 days really got away from me. However, I do want to mention a few of the great things that have happened in the last 10 days.
Feb. 19 - Sutton Speech meet! We had an awesome day and so many of the kids on the team medaled! I am so proud of how we represented as a team, and how they stepped up even when there was only one coach.
Feb. 22 - Towards the second half of speech practice Mrs. Herzberg came in and informed me that the well at Meridian was broken and they were unable to host CRC tomorrow. She wasn't sure what the plan would be, but it sounded like we would have to postpone CRC speech. What a massive blow to the kids, not just here but throughout the conference. About an hour later, after many emails, calls, and a Zoom session, it was decided that Hampton would be the host for CRC speech. I am so grateful to Mrs. Herzberg, Mr. Feik, and Mrs. Arndt for their help with this and for making this a reality. It happened fast, and they did all they could to prepare the building for a speech meet in the morning.
Feb. 23 - CRC Speech
After a rather sleepless night we hosted CRC speech at Hampton. The day went exceedingly well, despite having to constantly look up which event was in which room. I am so thankful to the HPS admin and staff for stepping up and making the day run smoothly. Our team finished 3rd in the conference, so a pretty good showing. Again, I am so proud of the way the speech kids performed and were gracious hosts to all who came.
Feb. 26-27 - A whole weekend at home!
I know I have mentioned this a time or two this month, but wow was some time at home desperately needed! My poor daughter was home ill with influenza A, but it was good that both Megan and I could be home to help care for her. Megan has had to do the majority of that this past few months, so it was good that we were both around.
Feb. 28 - The end of the month
I have never been so glad to see the end of February as I am this year. While there were many amazing things that happened, it will be good to let the rest of the month go and we can look ahead to district speech, state speech, and then all the wonderful joys of spring!